Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - At the forefront of the heartland rock genre, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers have become a staple of American entertainment. The band toured regularly up until Petty's death in 2017.

Metallica - This American heavy metal band has consistently ranked as one of the world's most commercially successful bands. They are also highly regarded as one of the pioneering artists of thrash metal.

The Beach Boys - This innovative rock band manufactured a unique sound and easy listening lyrics. Rising to critical acclaim, The Beach Boys have been dubbed one of the most influential bands of all time.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - This iconic funk rock band is one of the most commercially successful groups in the industry. The Red Hot Chili Peppers hold the record for most number one singles on the radio.

The most iconic American rock bands

Turn it up

America is fueled by rock 'n' roll. Through the years, the musical stylings and stage performances of rock bands became the cornerstone of American entertainment. From old-school legends to modern greats, check out this list of the most iconic American rock bands.